The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) poses a potential threat to the UK's security. A number of countries continue to develop WMD programmes which give cause for concern.
Photograph of a fermentation vessel used for the production of anthrax
A fermentation vessel used for the production of anthrax.
Since 1992 the Security Service has played a part in countering this threat (see: "Counter-proliferation").
The UK is committed to preventing the spread of WMD and their strategic means of delivery, usually ballistic missiles.
WMD encompasses nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The UK has obligations under a number of international treaties, conventions and export control regimes such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions and the Missile Technology Control Regime.